Understanding Consecration in Scripture
The concept of consecrated things runs throughout God's Word, revealing His character and His call for His people to live set-apart lives. The Hebrew word qadash means "to make holy" or "to set apart," and it appears repeatedly when describing items dedicated to God's service. In the Old Testament, we see this most clearly in the tabernacle and temple furnishings. The altar, the ark of the covenant, the golden lampstand, and the table of showbread were all consecrated through specific rituals outlined in Leviticus and Exodus. These weren't merely religious artifacts—they were tangible expressions of Israel's commitment to honor God and maintain separation between the holy and the common.
The consecration process itself was significant. Priests were set apart through anointing with oil, washing, and the laying on of hands (Leviticus 8). The firstfruits of harvests were consecrated as offerings to the Lord (Leviticus 23:10-11). Even people could be consecrated—the Nazirites took special vows to dedicate themselves wholly to God for a set period (Numbers 6). What united all these practices was the principle that certain things belonged to God in a special way, deserving reverence, careful handling, and purposeful use.
New Testament Transformation of the Concept
While the New Testament doesn't emphasize physical consecrated objects in the same way, the principle deepens dramatically. Jesus Himself becomes the ultimate consecrated offering—the perfect sacrifice that supersedes all temple rituals (Hebrews 10:10-14). Through His work, believers are now the primary focus of consecration. Paul writes in Romans 12:1, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."
The shift is from external objects to internal transformation. Peter describes Christians as "a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2:5). Our very lives become the consecrated offering—our time, talents, relationships, and resources dedicated to God's kingdom. The temple of stone was replaced by temples of flesh; the anointing oil was replaced by the Holy Spirit working within believing hearts.
Living as Consecrated People Today
For Canadian believers today, understanding consecrated things invites us to ask: How are we setting apart aspects of our lives for God's glory? This might mean dedicating our finances with intentional generosity, consecrating our families through prayer and biblical instruction, or offering our work as service to the Lord. It means recognizing that nothing we possess truly belongs to us—we're stewards of gifts given by a holy God.
The pastoral heart of this doctrine reminds us that consecration isn't burdensome legalism but joyful privilege. When we set things apart for God, we acknowledge His supremacy and experience the freedom that comes from purposeful living. Whether it's a morning dedicated to prayer, a tithe given faithfully, or relationships guarded carefully, we join centuries of God's people in declaring: "This is holy. This belongs to the Lord."
"Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship" (Romans 12:1, NIV).